For those who think it sounds like an engine oil additive – TEDx actually represents a collection of individual speakers, most of them experts in their field, who successively present innovative ideas to an assembled audience (with numerous external video links) in a single day.

It is non-profit, non-commercial, run by a band of dedicated volunteers, and supported by sponsors. Presentations can be no longer than 18 minutes. In essence therefore, you are given the unique privilege of listening to the thoughts and aspirations of about two dozen intelligent people in just a few hours, including in this case, some clever young students.

TEDx therefore, is really a simple but a brilliant global concept, and judging by the final standing ovation from the approx. 500 people who attended, TEDxChiangMai met everybody’s expectations.

Although some speakers strayed a bit off the principal theme of “Smart Societies” subjects were so wide and varied that nobody could have left the venue without being motivated or impressed, attested to by the enthusiastic conversations I overheard as we filed out. No doubt many people are still talking about it.

There was also some charming live entertainment, including famed violinist Tasana Nagavajara whose student orchestra performed Pachelbel's Canon in D major so beautifully, I saw some people moved to tears. We were also treated to melodious singing by Clare Lyon's Global Harmonies group - another musical treat.

I am told that all the presentations will eventually be posted on YouTube for all to enjoy, so look out for it if you are interested.

The overall organisation was excellent, as were the services, buffet lunch and meeting facilities provided by Le Meridien Hotel. Event sponsors operated booths in the conference room foyer, the most eye-catching being Elephant Parade House, which provided a well-attended long table inviting people to ‘decorate your own elephant to take home’ with model jumbos paints and brushes provided. Nice idea.

Rimping Supermarket displayed well-designed details of their excellent colour-coded vegetables, categorised according to the cultivation method in respect of fertilisers and pesticides used. Rimping also featured an on-line eco-quiz with an iPad mini as first prize. Simple tick box replies, but I needed the web to check quite a few, and I was interested to see long Styrofoam takes to biodegrade! I also did not know that Rimping has its own testing centre which checks veggies and fruit for toxic residues. Quiz entry is open only to TEDx attendees, but the questions are on line here for anybody to try until 21 September.

In conclusion - a thoroughly worthwhile, commendable and a great event.

Kudos and thanks therefore, to all those who made it happen!

TEDxChiangMai site here

Facebook page here

Edited September 19, 201312 yr by jko

There's also a Ted app in the Play Store.